Amit Sadh | If one knows him from 2018, one would understand what a change, for the better, he has undergone in these couple of years. The now more confident actor Sadh speaks with Musba Hashmi about the response Zee 5’s Jeet Ki Zid has received, did he anticipate it and whether he has become more careful while choosing projects

Jeet Ki Zid on Zee 5 is a hit. How does it feel?

The response is amazing and it does feel great. But, I feel the happiest when the whole team is appreciated for the success of a project and their efforts. And in this one particularly, Amrita, Sushant bhai (Singh) and Aly are getting the much deserved praise. I can’t be happier. The other thing to rejoice is that the reason behind making this  was to tell the story of a soldier and it has been successfully told and understood.

How optimistic were you about the success of the series?

I will begin by saying that this is  an inspiring story which is the need of the hour. Without defaming or blaming anyone, most of the stories that are coming up these days are not inspiring in any way. Is entertainment all we need? Now, when people are struggling during the Covid era, they will probably get that ray of hope through this series. Hence, of course I knew that it was a powerful story which will touch many lives.

How did you come on board for the role?

We were busy with the promotions of Shakuntala Devi, Avrodh and a few other projects back then. One day, Talib told me that Boney Kapoor is calling me. I took away my mobile from him  and disconnected that call. I thought it to be a prank. But then after a few seconds we both realised that may be it was Boney sir only. I called back on the number and Truecaller validated my belief. I was told about this project and someone started narrating   the script, so I asked him to send the script to me the next morning.This was it.

Were there any apprehensions about taking up the project?

Yes, I was apprehensive about whether people will like my work  and my co-actors’ work as well. Even on the night of the release, I was constantly calling up my team members to check whether people are watching it. They told me that everything will be fine, people will like my work and that I should sleep peacefully. But now I am happy that people are watching it and I am thankful to the media and everyone who made this series a success.

Now that you have made your mark in the industry, have you become more careful while choosing projects?

Back then, I worked to pay my rent, to feed my dogs and to take care of my family and staff. So I did whatever I was offered. I didn’t demand any money, they gave me whatever they think was okay. It was then I realised ki agar aap taqleef mein hain to log aap ko aur taqleef dete hain. Agar aap key paas paisey kam hain to aur kam dete hain. Now with God’s grace, I don’t have to work to pay my rent any more. I have reached a certain stage in life, but with this comes responsibility. If I will be associated with a project, the audience will be attached to it too. Hence, I have to look for whether the film has a social message, whether it spreads happiness and whether the whole family can sit and watch it with a smile. I do choose my projects carefully now and I can’t live with that selfishness that I have to show my acting skills. I do think a lot and aim to improve our society and my craft.

Do you think you have got your due in the industry? Or do you have any regrets?

I am not the kind of person who live with regrets. I am always satisfied with what I have. When I was a child, I asked everyone for my due, but now that I have grown up I have stopped asking. I believe in working hard, praying to God  and going forward in life to achieve what we want. One should have that zid in them and things will eventually start going their way. But yes, I ask people to clear the dues for my work. (laughs)

What else is keeping you busy?

It is and will be Jeet Ki Zid for at least the next one month. I want to fully experience this and not get over it any time soon.